Philadelphia Relocates Portal for Christmas Village
- Crews are relocating the viral Portal in LOVE Park to make way for the Christmas Village.
- The Christmas Village will begin on November 23 and run until Christmas Eve with specific holiday hours.
- The relocation of the Portal highlights the city's efforts to engage communities for the 250th birthday celebrations of the United States.
The viral Portal art installation in Philadelphia is being moved to accommodate the upcoming Christmas Village in Center City. This relocation will occur in LOVE Park, with the Portal positioned next to the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center. Crews are scheduled to spend two days on the move, ensuring the Portal is operational by the weekend. The Christmas Village is set to open on November 23 and will remain until Christmas Eve. It features extended hours, including special timings for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Originally installed in New York City, the Portal allows users to connect with people in Ireland, Poland, and Lithuania through a bidirectional screen. Michael Newmuis, the city's 2026 director, emphasizes the initiative aims to showcase ambitious ideas and engage various neighborhoods as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate the U.S. 250th birthday in 2026. The Portal's livestream provides changing views every three minutes and is available continuously.